Which Tactical Folder?

S

Surreal Boredom

Joined
Oct 7, 2003
Messages
14
Im trying to decide between:

-Buck/Strider Tactical Folder
-Spyderco Military
-Cold Steel Recon1
-Benchmade 806AFCK

Any opinions or suggestions?

Thank you for your input
 
I say either Strider or Military. Sorry I couldn't be of more help. What do you plan on using it for?
 
Actually.......all the ones you listed would be good choices. Guess it comes down to which one "you" really like. Me....I like Benchmade because I have two already and I really like the Axis lock. But I will eventually get a Buck Strider 880SP and a Spyderco Military and an BM 806D2. I have no interest in Cold Steel stuff, for no good reason...just don't. :)

Mike
 
Having owned the Buck Strider tanto and Spyderco Military and also having had the chance to try the Benchmade 806, my personal choice would be the Military.

I found the Military to be the overall winner of these three when it came the utility. I liked the way it fit my hand best. It was also slim and discrete, unlike the Strider which I found to be overly think and heavy. Another couple of things I didn't like about the Strider were the coarseness of the G-10 handle (it actually wore out the edge of my pocket and waistband) and the fact that mine had some blade play that could not be eliminated. I really didn't like the tanto tip either, but you can get the spearpoint which in my opinion is the far better profile for utility purposes. The one I got had a BG-42 blade that was a bit of a bear to sharpen, but with enough persistence you could get it razor sharp. It also held an edge well.

The Military is light, strong and comfortable in the hand. The texture of the handle is great for grip, but not similar to course sandpaper like the Strider. I found the blade to be great for the type of use I put a knife to, which are general daily chores plus opening boxes and cutting plastic strapping. The Military really is a good knife. My first Military had an ATS-34 blade and my second one made from VG-10. Both are excellent steels that are fairly easy to sharpen and both held an edge really well, though I think the VG-10 held a slight edge in this department.

I also liked the AFCK very much, but do not like the coating Benchmade puts on the blade. I see no purpose for it as D2 is stain resistant enough not to have to worry about rust as long as even minimal care is used. I liked how this knife felt in my hand and really liked the profile of the blade. It was a great cutter. I didn't have it long enough to need to sharpen it, but I have had D2 blades in the past and they have presented no problem in this area. If you could get the blade with a satin finish this knife may well of ended up my favorite of the three.

Edited to add:

By the way, all of these knives had excellent locks. The Strider and Military use the liner lock and both were secure and easy to disengage. The Benchmade Axis lock was a pleasure to use.

Also, neither of the Militaries nor the AFCK had any blade play at all.
 
Since you didn't say anything about a budget...buy 'em all...you know you want to...

hehehe...
 
Keith brings up a good point about the Buck Strider...rough scales. There were many complaints/concerns about this. However, their newest version supposedly has less aggressive scales to keep from chewing up pockets. I haven't handled one so I can't tell you first hand, this is just the information some other forumites have stated. Also, the newer ones have dual thumbstuds, where the older versions only have one.

Mike
 
I'm known for thinking outside the box, so I'll suggest an Al Mar SERE 2000.:).
 
Mike, thanks for making those points. They were something I didn't know.

Dann, when it come to you, there is no box.
 
Well thanks guys. I'm still undecided except that I know that I'm not going to get the Cold Steel.

I think im leaning toward the Benchmade now. But Keith they have remade the Buck Strider and from the reviews I've read they have removed all of the handle problems everyone complaned about.
 
As far as I am concerned you can't go wrong with a Benchmade, get the 806D2.
 
My choice would be....Spydie Military. I own both; Buck/Strider (tanto) and the "older" version, CPM-440V Military. There is no comparison. The Buck/Strider is like a pry bar. Sturdy rigid and tough. However, if you like to cut things, go with the Mil.

I don't know how much emphasis you put on the tactical point of view. If you find this to be very important, then choose; a Cuda Maxx. I have used this one for a while and it is a h... of a knife.

~Paul~
 
Keith...you bet. I think they are recent developments and the word isn't wide spread....yet. The dual thumbstuds is cool, because it's an easy way to know if you have new inventory...or old inventory.

Keith...if you knew Aberdeen, you'd realize that Dan is in a box, though it's probably a good thing! ;)

Mike
 
You can't go wrong with the Military. I have one and love it. The only other knife in the your list I have seen up close is the Recon and I would definitely choose the Military over it. Not that the Recon is a bad knife. Its that the Military has S30V steel (the Recon uses 440A) and is covered by Spyderco's exceptional warranty and service. You can do a search here and see how many like the Military and what high praise they have for the service. If the Military has a negative aspect it would have to be its size. Its a whopper for EDC.
 
Try to hanlde them if you get the chance. The milli would be the clear winner for me, but I hate liner locks. The Strider is kind of huge pocket carry. CS-no. Which leaves the BM which (hold on) comes w/an axis. but, check out the axis TSEK- almost the same knife at 1/2 the price. Good luck. Joe
 
Of your choices I would go with the Benchmade first, then the Mili, then the Buck. You might want to add a look at the Microtech LCC, it has been my EDC since I got it. It even replaced my Stride GB!:eek: Good luck on your quest, they are all good knives although I tend to avoid the CS folder offerings myself.
 
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